Teen's Smirk Earns Him Maximum Sentence in Slaying Created by kblakeslee on 5/21/2013 3:47:34 PM

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) _ A South Bend teenager who angered a judge by smirking during his sentencing for killing a 16-year-old boy has received the maximum time behind bars allowed under a plea agreement.

St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Jane Woodward Miller chastised 18-year-old Damontray Lovelady during Tuesday's hearing to determine his punishment for firing shots at a group of teenagers last September. Jhaelon Johnson died in the shooting.

Lovelady has pleaded guilty to a murder charge.

The South Bend Tribune reports Lovelady's punishment was capped at 50 years under a plea agreement reached with the state.

Lovelady's attorney asked for the minimum sentence of 45 years with five years of probation.

Woodward Miller said Lovelady's smirk showed a lack of remorse and sentenced him to the maximum.